Holy See calls for investigation into death of Eluana Englaro

Rome, Italy, Feb 10, 2009 / 04:03 pm (CNA).-

In statements to ANSA news agency on Monday, the President of the Pontifical Council for Health Care, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, prayed for the soul of Eluana Englaro and said that  if her death was caused by human intervention, “it should be considered a crime.” He also called for those responsible for her death to be held accountable.

In brief statements after learning of Eluana Englaro’s death, Cardinal Lozano Barragan also prayed for those who subjected her to euthanasia by withdrawing her food and water last Friday. “May the Lord embrace and forgive those who brought her to this point,” he said.

“Above all we commend (Eluana) to the Lord, we pray for her and we ask forgiveness for everything thing that has been done to her,’ the cardinal added.

 Cardinal Lozano also stressed, “The circumstances of this death should be looked into, if it was due to the suspension of food and water or other causes.”